Fluvir -- the first anti-swine flu Influenza A H1N1 Oseltamivir drug is launched in the retail markets in India. Till date H1N1 virus has claimed 257 lives and affected 8,153 people in the country.
Fluvir, which was available only through government hospitals, will now be available in around 480 designated medical shops and chemists having Schedule X licence across the country.
Hetero Healthcare Limited in Hyderabad is the only pharmaceutical company in India having the license from Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd to manufacture and market Oseltamivir, H1N1 flu drug, in India.
Mr. M. Srinivas Reddy, Director-Marketing, Hetero Group has stated that Swine Flu is a respiratory disease caused by any virus of family Orthomyxoviridae, that is endemic to Pig (swine) populations and it is assuming possible pandemic in various countries lead by Mexico. He stated that Bird Flu is infected almost entirely from direct contact between human and birds whereas Swine Flu appears getting infected by human-to-human transmission which is causing serious concern.
He stated that Swine Flu is sensitive to Oseltamivir and people with Swine Flu can be treated with the same. Hetero has licensing rights from Roche to manufacture and supply Oseltamivir in India as well as to around 100 underdeveloped and developing countries in the world.
Mr. M. Srinivas Reddy has stated that Hetero is capable to supply 40 Million capsules of Oseltamivir in 2 weeks time and can supply 100 Million capsules in 6 to 8 weeks time to meet the contingencies arising from Swine Flu outbreak spread.
As usual, Hetero is ready and willing to meet the needs of Indian and Foreign Governments in preparing for the potential public health threat posed by Swine Flu and also assist in Swine Flu pandemic planning. He also stated that Hetero always stockpiles 1,00,000 packs equivalent Oseltamivir in the National Interest and assured the Government of India to that effect.
Mr. M. Srinivas Reddy also state that Hetero looks forward to work as collaborative and responsible partner with Indian, Foreign Governments and WHO Agencies to assist in pandemic planning.